A VIP trip takes thought and planning. For a memorable VIP trip, our tips cover considerations ranging from timing, who and what to bring, budget – yes, even VIPs have budgets! – and luxury experiences that will take things up several notches!
If you want to travel in style; that is, if you want your next trip to be like the kind of trips that only VIPs take, there are a few things that you’re going to need to think about.
It is possible to have a VIP trip on a ‘normal person’ budget, but it takes a little more thought and planning than the average trip – you want it to be unforgettable, you have to put the work in!
The good news is, we’ve put together some travel tips to help you achieve your aim and ensure that your next trip is a little more luxurious and a lot more epic than previous travels…
Nail Down Your Budget
First of all, you’re going to have to sit down and seriously come to grips with your budget. Work out exactly how much you can afford to blow on this trip and think about the kind of luxury you want to experience and then look for countries where you can get that kind of luxury on your budget. There are always places where even the finest things in life are affordable for the average westerner, so this shouldn’t be a problem. But you might have to do some extensive research to find it.
Speak to a Travel Advisor
If you’re having trouble finding the perfect destination that offers you everything you want, including all of the luxury, it might be worth getting in touch with a travel advisor. They can help you work out not only the best places to go, but also the logistics of getting there and fitting everything within your budget.
Choose the Right Travel Companions
If you aren’t planning on taking your VIP trip alone, then you’re going to want to think very carefully about the person(s) you decide to bring along. You don’t want to bring that one friend who’s always counting every penny or the one who is never up for trying anything that could be even vaguely described as “risky.” You want to be surrounded by people who are willing to have fun and do whatever it takes to achieve that aim. Travel with people who will embrace the “VIP” aspects of the trip: they’ll look forward to looking and wearing their best, enjoying fine wines and exceptional dining, and comport themselves in a way that’s complimentary to you.
Charter a Jet
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Wait, what? Your first question here is sure to be: How much does it cost to charter a private jet? True, this option is a little more expensive than the average flight upfront, but it isn’t totally outrageous. As you can see from the link, the cost is also millions (literally) of times more affordable than owning your own private jet like the VIPs you so admire. If you are traveling with a few friends, it really won’t cost you too much more to travel in a degree of comfort and luxury that is usually only open to the rich and famous. So, if you can work it into the budget, spring for a chartered jet! It will be an unforgettable trip.
Wait Until the Time is Right
Take the time of year into account when you’re booking your VIP vacation: taking a trip when a location is off-season is usually a lot less expensive. Stretching your dollar further to ensure that you can have a little luxury in your life is always advisable, but you should also consider waiting to book. Why? If you wait until the last minute to book and you’re open to going to any number of destinations that you’ve already worked out work for your budget, you may be able to find great flight and accommodations deals. Airlines and hotels constantly assess the value of filling flights and properties, with incentive pricing to entice last minute travelers. Sure, it means you need to be a little more flexible, but sometimes you can really win at this game.
Pack Your Best Clothing
If you plan to live it up eating in fine restaurants and staying in luxury resorts, you’re going to want to look the part. Pay attention to footwear and dressier outfits for evening venues. Even the most casual destinations have one or two restaurants or clubs which require a more pulled together appearance.
Hire a Limo
Instead of having a friend drop you off at the airport or instead of getting a cab, why not spring for a limo? Depending on how far you are from the airport, it may not cost you that much more to rent a stylish chauffeur driven car for a little while, and it’ll give you a taste of what it’s like for your favorite celebrities to turn up to the airport in style, although you’re unlikely to be greeted by a mob of paparazzi.
Arrange a Luxury Experience
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VIPs don’t spend all of their time traveling by the hotel pool sipping cocktails – they go on private cruises, have private tours around the local sites and take hot air balloon rides over the beach. If this is going to be a big VIP trip, before you go, make sure that you find something as suitably decadent to do while you’re there and book it ahead of time. You want this to be memorable, right?
Do Lunch
Lunch at fancy restaurants and cafes is usually a whole lot less expensive than dinner. If you want to eat well and impress your friends and family back home with a few selfies of yourself eating lobster at the most expensive restaurant in town, dress for dinner, but eat for lunch. You’ll save a huge amount by doing this, although, depending on where you are, it’ll probably still be more expensive than your average lunch!
Ask for Upgrades
Whether it’s asking for a better seat on the plane, a nicer hotel room with a view or even just a more private table at a restaurant, you should never be afraid to ask for an upgrade. You might be surprised how often you’ll get one if only you’re brave enough to ask. It helps if you’re polite and well-dressed, but you really don’t have to be famous to get that upgrade and enjoy a better quality of vacation for your cash.
Don’t Overplan It
The best vacations are rarely the ones that have been planned to within an inch of their life, and if you want this trip to be legendary, then you should leave plenty of space on your itinerary for spontaneity. That way, you can actually enjoy the experience of being where you are without having to worry about being late or rush along so you can get everything done. This is one area where you certainly have an advantage over the VIPs who are often overbooked or forced to move on fast when they get spotted, so take advantage of it!
Take Lots of Pictures
Image Source Pixabay
When the stars go on vacation, there is not a moment of their trip that isn’t recorded. Sure, they would quite often prefer it not to be that way, but this is your once in a lifetime VIP trip – you ARE going to want to document it as thoroughly as you can.
Don’t Fall for the Post-Trip Letdown
When your VIP trip comes to a close, the last thing you want is for the amazing time you had to be soured by coming back to reality. You can prevent that from happening by immediately starting to plan your next trip. Sure, it might be awhile before you can have such an amazing trip again, but it will be worth it when it all comes together and it will give you something to look forward to!
Enjoy your VIP trip!
Pinnable Images:
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using CheapOAir, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to TripAdvisor.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.
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